The 8th-generation Lexus ES has been revealed in China and the Japanese firm’s local division has already confirmed this fresh sedan for South Africa…
Meet the new Lexus ES. Officially unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025, the 8th-generation sedan has already been confirmed for South Africa.
Exactly when it will make local landfall is not yet clear, with Lexus SA saying only that it will “confirm specifications, model variants and available technologies” closer to the new model’s “official launch timing”.
However, the Toyota-backed brand’s international press material says a “phased rollout across various regions is scheduled to begin in the middle of 2026”, so we certainly wouldn’t expect to see the new saloon in Mzansi before then.
The new model measures 5 140 mm from nose to tail, making its some 165 mm longer than its predecessor. The wheelbase, meanwhile, grows 80 mm to 2 950 mm, with overall height and width both up, too.
While the current Lexus ES portfolio comprises purely petrol-powered and hybrid derivatives, the 8th-gen version will be offered in certain markets in both hybrid and – for the first time – fully electric form. That’s thanks to an updated version of the TNGA GA-K platform.
Interestingly, the new ES 300h switches from the old 2.5-litre hybrid system to a version built around a 2.0-litre petrol motor. Peak power for this front-driven derivative comes in at 145 kW, based on the brand’s listed prototype values.
Meanwhile, the new ES 350h draws its urge from what Lexus describes as an “upgraded” 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain, available with either front- or all-wheel drive. The listed system output stands at 182 kW. All hybrid derivatives use a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
What about the EV options? Well, the new ES 350e and ES 500e offer front- and all-wheel drive configurations, respectively. The ES 350e generates 165 kW and has a targeted single-charge range of 685 km, while the ES 500e makes 252 kW (with a claimed range of 610 km), allowing the flagship derivative to see off the obligatory 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 5.9 seconds.
As a reminder, the current Lexus ES line-up in South Africa comprises a trio of derivatives, with prices running from R834 800 to R1 116 300. The base variant represents the entry point to the Japanese luxury brand’s range in South Africa, undercutting the UX and NX crossovers.
